Premier League: What to Expect from the Top Six in 2018/19

Manchester City

Defending Champions. Centurions.

Manchester City played arguably the most stunning football the Premier League has ever seen, as they broke nearly every record imaginable and racked up 100 points. This season, Pep Guardiola aims to retain the league and also win the Champions League.

It's something City must do to cement their legacy as one of England’s greatest ever sides. This summer, the recruitment business hasn’t been quite as efficient as it was last season, with a deal for Jorginho slipping away, and City being priced out of a move for Mateo Kovacic.

It is great that City won’t succumb to the selling club’s high asking price anymore, but we must remember that for the past few seasons a club that has won the league has had an underwhelming summer window and even surrendered the title the following season.

City’s squad still looks the most lethal and most balanced on paper, though, with the signing of Riyad Mahrez only adding to the embarrassment of riches they have in attack. Depth in defensive midfield looks to be a slightly questionable area.

But with Claudio Gomes impressing in pre-season, it may be better for the club to promote the youngsters than splash heavily on a player who may not even crack their first XI, after the season Fernandinho just had.

Riyad Mahrez moved to Manchester City in a £60m deal

City’s squad showed a sense of togetherness and solidarity last season that was a huge catalyst in their dream season. There were no disputes and no contract rebellions throughout the course of the season.

They always fought till the final whistle, and often it was that last gasp burst of energy was enough to clinch all three points.

City must continue exactly what they did last season; incisive and quick passing, relentless chasing back to regain possession when it was (rarely) taken off them, and overall completeness in every single player’s display whenever they were called upon.

They only need to ensure they move forward rather than resting on their laurels and, with Guardiola at the helm, that is a guarantee. Despite not having the most supreme of transfer windows, no club in recent memory has looked as ready to defend their Premier League crown as City currently do.

Just more of the same is required. This City side, this very young City side, could scale even greater heights and achieve even greater honours.